12 Civilians Rescued From Floodwaters in India After Helicopter Reaches Fragile Rooftop

Chhattisgarh, India — September 28, 2026

Twelve civilians, including women and children, were rescued after becoming trapped by severe flooding near the Indravati River in India’s Chhattisgarh state.

Families Trapped on a Fragile Rooftop

The group was stranded near Dongaghat village after floodwaters rapidly surrounded the area. They took shelter on the roof of a small hut as water continued to rise around them.

Rescuers were concerned that the structure could collapse under the pressure of the floodwaters. With limited time available, an aerial rescue operation was launched to reach the stranded civilians.

Rescue Team Lowered Onto the Roof

An Indian Air Force helicopter located the group after searching the flooded area. A Garud commando was then lowered from the hovering helicopter onto the fragile rooftop.

The rescuer helped the stranded civilians board the helicopter one by one. They were then lifted away from the flooded area and taken to safety.

All 12 civilians were successfully rescued, according to officials.

Flooding Affects Thousands Across the Region

The rescue was part of a wider response to serious flooding in the Bastar region. Heavy rainfall caused the Indravati River to rise well above its danger level, cutting off roads and isolating several villages.

Indian Express reported that more than 1,200 people had been rescued from flooded and inaccessible areas by local authorities and disaster-response teams. Many others were taken to relief camps where food, drinking water and medical assistance were provided.

As floodwaters gradually recede, authorities continue to monitor affected communities and provide assistance to residents who remain displaced.

Sources

• Indian Express — National highway cut off; 16 airlifted by IAF as floods worsen in Bastar — September 27, 2026.
• Asianet Newsable — IAF’s daring rescue: 12 civilians saved from Chhattisgarh floods — September 28, 2026.
• Indian News Network — Indian Air Force rescues 12 civilians stranded by floodwaters in Chhattisgarh — September 28, 2026.